Eurofins Biomnis code

TOXLA

Clinic significance

Toxoplasmosis is a ubiquitous parasite. Humans become infected by ingesting raw meat or contaminated plants. The parasite spreads in the blood (extremely short parasitaemia) and reaches various organs. Toxoplasmas persist in the body in an encysted state in the muscles and brain. In immunocompetent patients, primary infection is generally asymptomatic or benign (mononucleosis syndrome). Diagnosis is based on serology. The infection may sometimes lead to ocular toxoplasmosis. The diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis can be confirmed by PCR and serology on an ocular humour sample.
Toxoplasma infection is potentially serious in three specific situations: in immunocompetent patients infected with a hypervirulent strain, in immunocompromised patients and in pregnant women.
Diagnosis of disseminated forms is based on PCR genome testing of samples depending on the clinical context (BAL, CSF, aqueous humour, vitreous, biopsy, blood).
Serology is the basis for screening pregnant women for congenital toxoplasmosis. In case of seroconversion, the risk of transmission is higher at the end of pregnancy. Conversely, the severity of foetal lesions is greater in early pregnancy. Prenatal diagnosis is based on PCR testing of amniotic fluid for the toxoplasma genome. A negative result does not completely rule out the possibility of congenital toxoplasmosis. Diagnosis can also be carried out post-natally, using serology and PCR on cord blood or newborn blood, combined with PCR on placenta and amniotic fluid collected at delivery.

Prenalytics

• 8 mL
• amniotic fluid
• Refrigerated

Further information

• The use of the S14UK transport bag is Mandatory.
• Attach the patient's informed consent (D44 consent_Post-Prenatal)
• Use the specific form B3-INTGB: Cytogenetic

Documents to download

• information note (N23-INTGB)
• Specific clinical information form (D44-INTGB)
• Bon de demande (B3-INTGB)

Methodology

Real time PCR

Turnaround time

3 days